A multicentric study on accurate grading of prostate cancer with systematic and MRI/US fusion targeted biopsies: comparison with final histopathology after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy in histologic grading of MRI/US image fusion biopsy by comparing histopathology between systematic biopsies (SB), targeted biopsies (TB) and the combination of both (SB + TB) with the final histopathologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, multicentric study of 443 patients who underwent SB and TB using MRI/US fusion technique (Urostation® and Trinity®) prior to radical prostatectomy between 2010 and 2017. Cochran's Q test and McNemar test were conducted as a post hoc test. Uni-multivariable analyses were performed on several clinic-pathological variables to analyze factors predicting histopathological concordance for targeted biopsies. RESULTS: Concordance in ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) grade between SB, TB and SB + TB with final histopathology was 49.4%, 51.2%, and 63.2% for overall prostate cancer and 41.2%, 48.3%, and 56.7% for significant prostate cancer (ISUP grade ≥ 2), respectively. Significant difference in terms of concordance, downgrading and upgrading was found between SB and TB (ISUP grade ≥ 2 only), SB and SB + TB, TB and SB + TB (overall ISUP grade and ISUP grade ≥ 2) (p < 0.001). Total number of cores and previous biopsies were significant independent predictive factors for concordance with TB technique. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, combination of SB and TB significantly increased concordance with final histopathology despite a limited additional number of cores needed.

Are concurrent systematic cores needed at the time of targeted biopsy in patients with prior negative prostate biopsies?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: MRI-guided targeted biopsies are advised in patients who have undergone an initial series of negative systematic biopsies, in whom prostate cancer (PCa) suspicion remains elevated. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether, in men with prior negative prostate biopsies, systematic cores are also warranted at the time of an MRI-targeted repeat biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled patients with prior negative biopsy undergoing real time MRI/TRUS fusion guided prostate biopsy at our institute between 2014 and 2016. Patients with at least one index lesion on multiparametric MRI were included. All eligible patients underwent both systematic random biopsies (12-14 cores) and targeted biopsies (2-4 cores). RESULTS: The study included 74 men with a median age of 65 years, PSA level of 9.27ng/mL, and prostatic volume of 45ml. The overall PCa detection rate and the clinically significant cancer detection rate were 56.7% and 39.2%, respectively. Targeted cores demonstrated similar clinically significant PCa detection rate compared to systematic cores (33.8% vs. 28.4%, P=0.38) with significantly less tissue sampling. Indeed, a combination approach was significantly superior to a targeted-only in overall PCa detection (+16.7% overall detection rate, P=0.007). Although differences in clinically significant PCa detection were statistically non-significant (P=0.13), a combination approach did allow detecting 7 extra clinically significant PCas (+13.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with elevated PSA and prior negative biopsies, concurrent systematic sampling may be needed at the time of targeted biopsy in order to maximize PCa detection rate. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Exploring positive surgical margins after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: Does body habitus really make a difference ?

BACKGROUND: Positive surgical margins (PSMs) at radical prostatectomy (RP) are generally recognized as a surrogate of poor or difficult dissection of the prostatic gland. In open RP cohorts, obesity seems to be associated to an increased risk of PSMs, probably due to the technical challenge that obese men pose to surgical access. Minimally invasive RP has been claimed to possibly reduce PSM rate. Aim of the study was to explore the impact of obesity and body habitus on PSM risk and their localisation during laparoscopic and robotic-assisted RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 539 prospectively enrolled patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted RP with pT2 prostate cancer. The outcome measured was rate of PSM according to the BMI and surgical approach (laparoscopic vs robotic-assisted). Patients were categorized in BMI<25kg/m2, BMI 25-29.9kg/m2 and BMI >30kg/m2 groups respectively and compared using Kruskall-Wallis or χ2 test, as appropriate. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the impact of BMI and surgical technique on PSM risk. RESULTS: Overall, 127 (24%) of men had PSMs detected at final specimen evaluation. Mean PSM length was 3.9±3.4mm, and 30 (6%) men presented significant margins ≥4mm. Analysing the rate of PSMs across BMI categories, no significant association between increased BMI and PSM was detected (all P>0.48). On uni- and multivariate logistic regression BMI was not a statistically significant risk factor for PSM (P=0.14), nor was the minimally invasive technique (laparoscopic vs robotic-assisted) (P=0.54). CONCLUSIONS: In this study obese men do not appear to have a significant increase in risk of PSMs at RP compared to lean and overweight men when operated by a minimally invasive approach. The magnified vision and increased access to the pelvis allowed by a laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approach may be accountable for our findings. Larger studies are needed to validate our results. LEVEL OF PROOF: 4.

Utilization of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice and focal therapy: report from a Delphi consensus project.

PURPOSE: To codify the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the interrogation of prostate neoplasia (PCa) in clinical practice and focal therapy (FT). METHODS: An international collaborative consensus project was undertaken using the Delphi method among experts in the field of PCa. An online questionnaire was presented in three consecutive rounds and modified each round based on the comments provided by the experts. Subsequently, a face-to-face meeting was held to discuss and finalize the consensus results. RESULTS: mpMRI should be performed in patients with prior negative biopsies if clinical suspicion remains, but not instead of the PSA test, nor as a stand-alone diagnostic tool or mpMRI-targeted biopsies only. It is not recommended to use a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner without an endorectal or pelvic phased-array coil. mpMRI should be performed following standard biopsy-based PCa diagnosis in both the planning and follow-up of FT. If a lesion is seen, MRI-TRUS fusion biopsies should be performed for FT planning. Systematic biopsies are still required for FT planning in biopsy-naïve patients and for patients with residual PCa after FT. Standard repeat biopsies should be taken during the follow-up of FT. The final decision to perform FT should be based on histopathology. However, these consensus statements may differ for expert centers versus non-expert centers. CONCLUSIONS: The mpMRI is an important tool for characterizing and targeting PCa in clinical practice and FT. Standardization of acquisition and reading should be the main priority to guarantee consistent mpMRI quality throughout the urological community.

[Quality of life after robotic prostatectomy: Impact of BMI and age on urinary incontinence]. / Qualité de vie après prostatectomie robotique : impact des indices de masse corporelle et âge sur l'incontinence urinaire.

INTRODUCTION: Data evaluating risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life (QoL) after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy are scarce. The objective of our study was to explore the impact of age and body mass index (BMI) on postoperative incontinence, and the impact of such incontinence and urinary symptoms on QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy two patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy answered the questionnaires ICIQ-UI short-form (evaluating UI) and EORTC QoL PR25 (evaluating QoL) in the preoperative setting, then at 1, 3, 12 et 24 months after surgery. Data regarding bother due to UI and urinary symptoms were extrapolated and calculated from the EORT PR25 questionnaire. The modification of ICIQ, of the bother from UI and of urinary symptoms was compared between the preoperative and the early (1-3 months) and late postoperative period (12-24 months). Differences of these scores were explored across non-obese and obese patients, as well as across different age groups. Chi-squared and logistic regression models were performed to test the association between BMI, age and ICIQ score, the bother from UI and urinary symptom score. RESULTS: Median age was 64 years and median BMI was 26.4kg/m2. After surgery, all scores (ICIQ, bother from UI and urinary symptoms) were significantly modified and worsened compared to preoperative values; in particular, median ICIQ passed from 1 to 10, 20% of patients were highly bothered by their urinary symptoms (compared to 2% in the preoperative setting) and the urinary score symptom passed from 8% to 33%. We observed a progressive amelioration of all scores of late controls (12-24 months), with a significantly improved QoL. Across BMI groups, we did not observe any significant difference in terms of modification of ICIQ, of the bother from UI or of urinary symptoms. Moreover, on multivariate logistic regression, BMI was not a risk factor for UI at neither 1 month (P>0.35) nor 12 months (P=0.35). On the other hand, age was significantly associated to an increased risk of UI in the immediate postoperative period on multivariate analysis (P<0.001). Indeed, the rate of patients with an ICIQ≥1 in the immediate postoperative period was higher in men>60 years old compared to younger men<60 years (96% vs 78%, P<0.001). When exploring the QoL scores, we did not observe any significant association between age and QoL, with the exception of an inversion correlation between age and urinary symptoms at 1 month after surgery (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: In this study, after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, older men appear to be at increased risk of immediate postoperative incontinence when compared to their younger counterparts, although their QoL is less likely to be bothered. BMI instead was not significantly associated to either urinary incontinence nor to QoL scores as bother form UI and urinary symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Lower urinary tract dysfunction following nerve sparing radical hysterectomy: A systematic review]. / Complications urinaires fonctionnelles de la colpohystérectomie totale avec préservation nerveuse : revue systématique de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Radical hysterectomy represents the cornerstone in the management of localized cervical cancer. Despite its oncologic efficacy, radical hysterectomy is associated with a significant amount of complications and a negative impact on quality of life. Surgical technique seems to influence the functional outcomes. AIM OF THE STUDY: A systematic review to provide an update on the lower urinary tract dysfunction following nerve sparing radical hysterectomy. METHODS: An initial search was carried out to identify articles for further review, using Cochrane reviews and PubMed and Embase databases. The search terms used were: "nerve sparing" and "cervical cancer" or "radical hysterectomy". The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses process for reporting included and excluded studies was followed, with the recommended flowchart showing the numbers of papers identified and included or excluded at each stage. RESULTS: Twenty-nine clinical studies were included. The absence of a standardized surgical technique for nerve sparing radical hysterectomy and the poor methodological quality of the studies assessing lower urinary tract dysfunction after such intervention limited clear conclusions. However, all studies reported lower incidence of urinary tract dysfunction, urodynamic abnormalities and clean intermittent catheterization following nerve sparing radical hysterectomy compared to conventional technique. CONCLUSION: Nerve sparing radical hysterectomy is associated with reduced lower urinary tract dysfunction. A standardization of the surgical technique for nerve sparing radical hysterectomy, tailored to each individual is necessary to allow its wide spread diffusion.

[Focus on the screening for prostate cancer by PSA]. / Le point sur le dépistage du cancer de la prostate par le PSA.

Prostate cancer detection is mainly based on PSA serum levels and digital rectal examination. The wide use of PSA with time led to increased prostate cancer incidence in the highest ressources countries worldwide with less mortality rates compared to less developed regions of the world. Screening for prostate cancer is among the most controversial topics in the field of urology. US Preventive Services Task Force recently finalized a crisp recommendation that routine PSA-based screening should be stopped. Results from the ERSPC study of screening for prostate cancer reported the impact of PSA testing in reducing cancer-specific mortality but with a higher rate of localized tumour detection with better prognostic factors. Scientific societies have elaborated their recommendations in favour of a share decision making with patients with at least 10 to 15 years of life expectancy. In view of the unsatisfactory accuracy of the two diagnostic exams, strategies to reduce PSA-driven prostate cancer overdiagnosis and overtreatment seem to be necessary. Research has focused on novel markers to improve pre-biopsy prostate cancer detection, such as prostate health index (phi) and PCA3. In patients with a total PSA range of 2-10 ng/ml, phi and PCA3 seem to be the strongest predictors of prostate cancer at initial biopsy and are significantly more accurate than total PSA and percentage free PSA.

Evolution and simplified terminology of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), and mini-laparoscopy (ML).

INTRODUCTION: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) are the next steps in the evolution of laparoscopic surgery, promising reduced morbidity and improved cosmetic result. The inconsistent terminology initially used led to confusion. Understanding the technical evolution, the current status and a unified and simplified terminology are key issues for further acceptance of both approaches. OBJECTIVE: To present LESS and NOTES in its historical context and to clarify the associated terminology. METHOD: Extensive literature search took place using the PubMed. Several hundred publications in general surgery and urology regarding LESS are present including the expert opinion of members the European Society of Uro-technology (ESUT). RESULTS: The increasing interest on NOTES and LESS is reflected by a raising number of publications during the last 4 years. The initial confusion with the terminology of single-incision surgery represented a significant issue for further evolution of the technique. Thus, consortiums of experts searched a universally acceptable name for single-incision surgery. They determined that 'laparoendoscopic single-site surgery' (LESS) was both scientifically accurate and colloquially appropriate, the term being also ratified by the NOTES working group (Endourological Society) and the ESUT. For additional use of instruments, the terms hybrid NOTES and hybrid LESS should be used. Any single use of miniaturized instruments for laparoscopy should be called mini-laparoscopy. DISCUSSION: The evolution of LESS and most likely NOTES to a new standard of minimally invasive surgery could represent an evolutionary step even greater than the one performed by the establishment of laparoscopy over open surgery.

Construct validity of the chicken model in the simulation of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy suture.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For a simulation to be valid, it has to be close to reality, correlate with the performance in a real case, and be able to discriminate between individuals with different degrees of experience. We explored the construct validity (ability to discriminate between experienced and inexperienced subjects) of a simulation for the urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dead chickens were used. After partial emptying of the corporal cavity, an 18F catheter was placed through the esophagus to the stomach. In the Pelvic Trainer, a laparoscopic section of the esophago-glandular-stomach junction and a suture between the two edges were performed in the same fashion as for a urethrovesical suture in LRP. Five subjects with different levels of experience in laparoscopy, ranging from nil to more than 250 LRPs, tested two types of suture. One-way ANOVA was used to detect differences in suturing time among the operators. A multiple comparison test was used to detect specific differences between operators. RESULTS: Although suturing time had a strong negative correlation with the operator's experience, significant statistical differences in suturing time were found only between the least experienced operator and the other ones. Qualitative differences in the suture were found among operators. CONCLUSION: This simulation correlates well with the laparoscopic (LRP) subject's experience. It can discriminate between inexperienced and experienced subjects, exhibiting moderate construct validity, but failed to reflect the different levels of experience among the most experienced subjects.

A prospective clinical trial of HIFU hemiablation for clinically localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Focal therapy is an emerging mini-invasive treatment modality for localized prostate cancer aimed to reduce the morbidity associated with radical therapy while maintaining optimal cancer control. We report the mid-term oncological and functional results of primary hemiablation high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in a prospective cohort of patients. METHODS: Over 8 years, hemiablation HIFU was primarily performed in 50 selected patients with biopsy-proven clinically localized unilateral, low-intermediate risk prostate cancer in complete concordance with the prostate cancer lesions identified by magnetic resonance imaging with precise loci matching on multimodal approach. Post-treatment follow-up included regular serial PSA measurements. Biochemical recurrence was reported using Stuttgart and Phoenix criteria. The latter was used as a threshold to offer whole-gland biopsies. RESULTS: Complete follow-up was available for all patients and the median follow-up was 39.5 months (range: 6-94). Mean nadir PSA value was 1.6 ng ml(-1), which represents 72% reduction compared with initial PSA pre-treatment value (P<0.001). Median time to achieve PSA nadir was 3 months. Biochemical recurrence, according to Phoenix and Stuttgart definition, occurred in 28 and 36% of patients, respectively. The 5-year actuarial metastases-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates were 93, 100 and 87%, respectively. Out of the eight patients undergoing biopsy, six patients had a positive biopsy for cancer occurring in the untreated contralateral (n=3) or treated ipsilateral lobe (n=1) or bilaterally (n=2). A Clavien-Dindo grade 3b complication occurred in two patients. Complete continence (no pads) and erection sufficient for intercourse were documented in 94 or 80% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hemiablation HIFU therapy, delivered with intention to treat, for carefully selected patients affords mid-term promising functional and oncological outcomes. The effectiveness of this technique should be now compared with whole-gland radical therapy.

Differential histochemical peanut agglutinin stain in benign and malignant human prostate tumors: relationship with prostatic specific antigen immunostain and nuclear DNA content.

The histochemical binding pattern of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) lectin (PNA) was quantitatively described by means of computer-assisted microscope analysis in 28 benign prostatic hyperplasias (BPH), 15 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PIN), and 119 prostatic adenocarcinomas. PNA exhibits nonimmune but selective binding to glycoproteins with beta-D-galactosyl(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues. We also investigated whether a relationship existed between the number of histochemical-related PNA acceptors and the histochemical prostate-specific antigen (PSA) stain intensity, and between the number of PNA receptors and DNA ploidy level. The results show that neoplastic prostate tissues and high-grade intraepithelial prostatic neoplasias (PIN2_3) exhibit a significantly higher number of PNA acceptors than benign prostatic hyperplasias and low (PIN1) grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the number of histochemically related PNA acceptors and PSA immunostain intensity. Lastly, diploid prostatic tumors, whether benign or malignant, exhibited a significantly higher number of PNA acceptors than aneuploid ones. These results suggest that PNA acceptors play an important role in the biology of prostate tumors.

Image cytometry determination of ploidy level, proliferative activity, and nuclear size in a series of 314 transitional bladder cell carcinomas.

Image cytometry was carried out on 281 superficial (Ta and T1) and 33 invasive (T2 to T4) bladder cancers. The parameters used to characterize these bladder tumors were: (1) histopathological grading, (2) clinical staging, (3) tumor size, (4) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) index (DI), (5) DNA histogram type (DHT), (6) percentage of euploid (diploid plus tetraploid) cells, (7) percentage of polyploid cells (> 5C DNA content), (8) proliferative activity (S phase fraction value), and (9) nuclear area (NA). The proliferative activity of the tumors was not related to either histopathological grade or to clinical stage, but it was related to the DHT parameter, which made it possible to identify diploid, hyperdiploid, triploid, hypertriploid, tetraploid, and polymorphic tumors. The hypertriploid tumors exhibited a significantly lower proliferative activity than the nonhypertriploid ones. Although both the DI and the NA values correlated significantly with histopathological grading, only the NA values correlated significantly with clinical staging. We further observed that some grade III bladder tumors were definitely diploid, whereas some grade I tumors were highly aneuploid. We thus hypothesize that the ploidy level of a given tumor reflects its age directly and its aggressiveness only very indirectly. In our opinion aneuploidy is only an indirect marker of aggressiveness because it reflects the fact that a malignant tumor is old, ie, has been present in a patient over a long period of time and has had ample time to express its malignancy at the clinical level. A significant relationship was accordingly obtained between tumor size and ploidy level with the highest proportion of aneuploid tumors and the highest percentage of polyploid cell nuclei being observed among the largest bladder tumors.

Morphonuclear relationship between prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and cancers as assessed by digital cell image analysis.

Using digital cell image analysis performed on Feulgen-stained nuclei, the nuclear characteristics of prostatic neoplasia, ranging from benign (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]), through dysplastic (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia [PIN] 1-3), to carcinoma were studied. Four histopathologic groups were studied: group IA (18 samples) contained BPH, PIN 1, and PIN 2 lesions that were from 9 prostate samples free of cancer. Group IB (23 samples) was identical to group IA, contained also BPH, PIN 1, and PIN 2 lesions, but lesions that were from 7 prostate samples where malignant foci were detected elsewhere. Group II (11 samples) were PIN 3 specimens. Group III (24 samples) were carcinomas. Features of neoplastic nuclei were quantified objectively through morphometric (nuclear size), densitometric (nuclear DNA content), and textural (chromatin organization and heterogeneity) parameters. Cell kinetic parameter, i.e., cell proliferation index, was assessed from the densitometric measurement. The proliferation index was significantly higher in PIN 3 and cancers as compared to BPH, PIN 1, and PIN 2 tissues. Morphonuclear characteristics were also dramatically distinct among the four groups. Indeed, the nuclear size and the hyperchromatism of severe prostatic dysplasia were similar to those of carcinomas, these two lesion types showing mean parameter values that were higher as compared to BPH, PIN 1, and PIN 2 lesions. Finally, benign tissues related to mild or moderate dysplasia taken in histologic material in which cancer was present already share the morphonuclear characteristics of severe dysplasia, although they are nonproliferating.

Galectin-1 and galectin-3 binding pattern expression in renal cell carcinomas.

We studied 2 families of molecules whose role remains uncharacterized or obscure in the progress of renal cell carcinoma (RCC): galectins, a major class of glycoproteins, and the Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen. We characterized the level of expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 and their respective binding sites in a series of 74 RCCs. We also characterized the level of expression of laminin, a natural ligand for galectins. Finally, we characterized the level of T antigen expression and the T antigen binding sites. All levels of expression were quantitatively determined by using computer-assisted microscopy on immunohistochemically or glycohistochemically stained slides. A small concentration of galectin-1 binding sites or a large concentration heterogeneity of galectin-3 can be associated with unfavorable prognoses for patients with grade II or III RCCs. In contrast, T antigen and T antigen binding sites revealed no change across the 2 RCC groups that exhibited different clinical outcomes. We established discriminant scores that permitted a clear distinction between the 2 RCC groups analyzed. Modifications to the expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3, but not of T antigen, parallel an increase in RCC aggressiveness. Galectins represent a family of molecules with a meaningful role in RCC progression.

Influence of suramin alone or in combination with DHT and PDGF on the cell proliferation of benign and malignant human prostatic tissues in organ cultures.

We studied the suramin-induced influence on the cell proliferation of 16 benign and 6 malignant lesions of the human prostate maintained in vitro as organ cultures. The cell proliferation was assessed by nuclear labeling with tritiated thymidine autoradiography. We also studied the dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced modulation of suramin influence on such prostate organ culture cell proliferation. Our results indicate that more than half of the benign prostatic tissues showed cell proliferation which was modulated by DHT and/or PDGF, while none of the six carcinomas responded to such hormonal stimulation. Suramin alone inhibited the cell proliferation of only 19% of the prostate organ culture under study, while in combination with DHT and/or PDGF this inhibition level reached 48%. However, we occasionally observed that S alone or in combination with DHT and/or PDGF was also able to stimulate prostate cell proliferation. We think that organ cultures of human prostatic tissues might represent a helpful pre-clinical tool to study the anti-tumoral influence of suramin, which is a new antineoplastic generative compound.

The place for surgery in central recurrences of invasive cancer of cervix uteri.

Between 1988 and 1991, at the Jules Bordet Institute in Brussels, 11 patients were submitted to a surgical treatment due to an uterus cervix central recurrence. The majority were of the epidermoid type. The primary stage of the lesion at the moment of diagnosis varied from stage Ib to stage IIIb lesions. Six of the eleven patients were not submitted to an adequate initial treatment. These recurrences appeared between the 4th and the 264th month after the initial treatment. The treatments, which were determined according to the site of recurrence, consisted of: an anterior pelvic exenteration for four patients, a total exenteration for one patient, for two of them a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and partial cystectomy, a cervix amputation for another one and finally, for the last three ones, a laparotomy with debulking or derivation colostomy. The mortality during and after the operation was nil but there were several short term complications. After a minimal 19 months follow-up we could see that three patients survived, one was generalized and seven died. Due to the scarce number of patients and pathological disparity of them, the authors reviewed the literature concerning this problem, in order to determine some guidelines for similar cases. In spite of its consequences, surgery seems to be the only valid solution to propose to these patients, not only to give them a chance to survive but also to improve their life quality.

[Radical cystectomy - pro laparoscopic]. / Radikale Zystektomie - pro laparoskopisch.

Although the technical feasibility of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) has been proven and the procedure has been accepted in the EAU guidelines 2011 as a valid alternative, its actual position has to be determined. On the one hand the advantages of LRC (less blood loss, lower transfusion rates, shorter analgesia time) have been proven in retrospective studies; however, the technical difficulties of purely laparoscopic urinary diversion result in very long operating times and in cases of a laparoscopic-assisted creation of a neobladder, the question of the advantage of this approach remains doubtful. Despite case reports of port metastases and peritoneal carcinosis following laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy, there is no difference in terms of oncological long-term data (up to 10 years) between laparoscopy and open surgery performed at centres of excellence. Evidently, the curative options for the patients do not depend on the type of surgery (open versus minimally invasive) but on the efficacy of adjuvant treatment strategies (polychemotherapy). Currently it is believed that LRC should be considered for patients with low risk of progression (pT1-2). The final position of laparoscopic radical cystectomy can only be evaluated in a multicentric randomized controlled trial.